Villeneuve: Russell is not your typical Red Bull driver

1997 F1 World Champion Villeneuve was speaking to Vision4Sport about the current driver market and team leadership chaos unfolding ahead of the summer break. He suggested there were deeper reasons behind Horner’s removal: “That was just out of the blue. It looks like a lot has happened in the background. We don’t know everything. It was done very discreetly, and I think everyone was caught by surprise.”

Villeneuve said: “You don’t do that for just half a season of work. They’ve still won races. The performances have actually been quite good considering all the movements. Horner has eight championships under his belt. I thought the story from last year had been taken care of.”

In the wake of the Red Bull team principal shake-up, Laurent Mekies is at the helm for the Belgian Grand Prix. Villeneuve questioned whether George Russell remains in line for a Mercedes extension: “Contracts go in both directions. It’s possible George is asking for things the team is not willing to give him.”

While Red Bull is expected to be active in the driver market for a number two driver, and even one to replace Verstappen if indeed he is departing, Villeneuve doesn’t see Russell as a natural candidate: “He doesn’t have a very exciting image. He is very clean-cut, very proper, very Mercedes groomed. That’s not the typical Red Bull approach. They like fire, they like explosions, they like chaos.”

"George is not a [typical] Red Bull driver. But he does bring results. Red Bull need to push the team forward again, especially with the new engine manufacturer. George would be a good Ford driver," added Villeneuve.

He also praised Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar: “I really like what he’s been doing. He’s had some tough moments, and he’s reacted very well. He’s not very experienced, but he’s progressing and maturing quickly.”

Hadjar, who has impressed in his rookie season with the Red Bull junior team, Racing Bulls is a driver Villeneuve believes Red Bull could promote: “He has the right attitude. He goes well with Red Bull. It would be worth it to see him in the bigger team. He seems to do well under pressure, so why not throw him into the den?”

Villeneuve ended with a warning for Mercedes should they promote 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli alongside Verstappen: “I don’t think having him as a teammate would be very helpful. Max is a big beast and unless you’re good enough, he will eat you alive.”

“You have to be strong and good enough. Not because he’s mean, but because he’s a competitor. To earn his respect, you have to be at a certain level," added the Canadian.